Baylor has added former LSU center Kate Koval after the NCAA approved a transfer waiver, the program announced Saturday. Koval had left LSU after the April transfer-portal deadline, following the Tigers' decision to sign Russian post player Anna Minaeva.
Koval, who was born and raised in Ukraine, explained Sept. 2 that the signing created a conflict because her father serves as a drone operator in the Ukrainian military. She said people close to her had been killed or injured in Russian attacks and that places where she grew up had been damaged by missile strikes.
Baylor coach Nicki Collen said Koval's ability near the basket and as a perimeter scorer and passer will add to the team's offense. Collen also pointed to Koval's shot blocking and academic performance. Koval is listed at 6 feet, 5 inches.
The Bears are coming off a 25-9 season and lost four starters to graduation. Senior guard Taliah Scott is the only returning starter after leading Baylor with 19.7 points per game last season.
Koval played her freshman season at Notre Dame, where she earned a place on the ACC All-Freshman Team, then transferred to LSU for 2025-26. She played in 35 games for the Tigers, starting 17, and averaged 8.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 1.2 blocks while shooting 56%.
